May 22, 2012
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Going back to Palissa!
The time has come where I have to plan my trip back to Palissa. Going back to finish the clinic that we started over a month ago. (Don't worry, the delayed construction is common here.) I am really looking forward to the ridiculous temperatures, the bathing in a bowl, and traditional Ugandan food! I am really looking forward to having a structure that is built in the name of Jesus Christ. One that's intention is to help with no strings attached.
At this point, all that is left, that is in my control, is the roof and plastering. There are some miscellaneous features that still require resolve but those two items are the big ticket.
I am challenged by this project! (yes, I know everyone reading this agrees that I am challenged in more ways than one!) I have come here as a partner with Worldwide Christian Schools. That seems a little strange considering that we are building a clinic. It is even more strange that the place where we are building this clinic has the people already in place that could start a school. My main contact, and his wife, are teachers by profession. Their brother is familiar with running the finances of a school. The property that they have has ample space for a school. Now the problem... no money.
My hope, when we got the gift for the clinic, was to separate a little bit to go toward the school. However, I am fixed on the idea that if we are going to build, we will do it in a way that glorifies God. So we are putting the correct measure in everything we are doing, not cutting corners. But this has caused the money donated to deplete completely with the clinic.
You may not recall the history of this place. Agule, the village where we are building near Palissa, was the stomping grounds for the war with the Karamoja. 20 years ago soldiers ravaged this area and killed countless people. There is still a lack of able young men because of the attacks. Even now, people are just settling back into the area. But now the area is worse off then 20 years ago. The buildings that were there were damaged or destroyed. The infrastructure of the community and local government was annihilated. Now it is a place where there is no hope. People die for no good reason. The clinic will help that. But it will not provide a future for the people. A school is desperately needed. The nearest school is 7 miles away. It is also expensive because they know they can be. So few are able to educate their young ones to supply any hope of getting out of the current situation they are in. So instead, the kids fish, harvest rice, or work at their homes. There is no focus on getting them out of the status quo.
So I really want to get them a school started. I am not talking about some grand structure that is as nice as the clinic. However, I also don't want to limit my God. I really want this place to be impacted by the Kingdom of Heaven. I think that if we could raise some money, not a ton, but some. We could raise up a structure to get a school started. I can use some of the building scraps from the clinic construction. But I would also need material for the roof. I figure, with around $3,000 I could get them a decent sized open air building that can start holding classrooms next year. I know that those people are praying for the same thing. So pray with me that somehow the Lord provides.
I plan on leaving Sunday, May 27, right after church. I will be spending a couple of weeks there. My prayer is that no major hurdle slows our progress. My prayer is also that somehow money can be raised for the school. So please join with me in this prayer!
Chad Neeley
Volunteer Construction Coordinator - Worldwide Christian Schools USA/Uganda
